Former member of Parliament in the National Council Bernadinus Shekutamba died of a stroke in the Ongwediva Medipark on Friday aged 77. His daughter Tashiya Shekutamba-Joshua confirmed to NBC News that her father battled COVID-19 and was recently cleared of the disease, only to suffer a stroke last week. Late Shekutamba also fondly known as Shikongo Shakalyenge was the founding Councillor of Etayi Constituency in the Omusati Region and served in the National Council from 2010 to 2015. The current Etayi Constituency Councillor Hans Haikali described Shekutamba as a freedom fighter of note who served the SWAPO party and community of Etayi with dignity. Shekutamba is survived by his wife Celestine, nine children and 15 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.